Category: Power Pop Review

Jaimie Vernon is not only president of Bulleye Records, he’s also been part of several bands in his native Canada. His third solo album is a concept album/homage to hit radio programs from the past. Rather than a single stand-alone CD of material, he has compiled 70 cuts as MP3s included on a multi-media disc that includes a ‘faux’ radio show from the fictitious CRCK-FM featuring Bob Segarini as DJ Brian “The Iceguy” Campbell. Follow the exploits of the last playlist from the last station on the last day of Top 40 radio. Much like Roger Water’s “Radio K.A.O.S” or Queen’s “The Works” album in “the end of modern radio” theme, except you get a whole lot more. I concentrated on the 23 songs of the “CRCK Top 20” where you get a complex story outline in the song  “Radio Killed The Radio Star” which is influenced by The Cars, Beatles, and even Billy Idol. Some highlights include the very ELO inspired “(Letter To A) Dear Chum” and the reggae beat of  “Clique Me Down” with horns and catchy chorus similar to Jimmy Buffett’s hits. “Airwaves” is the closest tune to Roger Waters style. With Segarini aboard, you also get a little bit of Chilliwack and other Canadian hits in the song “Life’s A Canadian Rock.” Included is a cover of the Hudson Brothers “So You Are A Star” and the bouncy “(Coney Island Turning) Upside Down.” Lots of other references to Canadian rock bands like Klaatu as well, however more attention is placed on the concept/storyline than the music itself, which doesn’t always live up to expectations. On the other hand, there is a TON of material here, so you are most definitely getting a “box set” worth of stuff for a single album’s price.

Bullseye Canada | My Space

Listen to “(Letter To A) Dear Chum”

Jeff Larson is a singer/songwriter who’s earlier albums flirted with Beach Boys gentle vocal harmonies and folk rock. As his albums continued to progress beyond the sound of California pop, Jeff has moved comfortably in the adult folk pop venue since 2002. His supporting players are the reliable, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell (of America) and Jeffrey Foskett (of Brian Wilson’s band) and they all supply subtle backing vocals. If you’ve enjoyed Jeff’s recent albums, this is more reflective than the usual sun and strumming, but like a cool ocean breeze it’s just as refreshing. “Anywhere She Goes” is closer to America or an Eagles ballad than anything Wilsonesque. Shimmering guitars are all over this release, as evidenced by the beautiful “Ghosts of San Miguel” and the banjo pops up on the soothing “Red To Rust.” This is a mellow affair no doubt, and “Threat of Rain” resembles a Dan Fogelberg ballad. “California Rail” is another western styled tune (with harmonica on top of banjo) that makes for great road music and my favorite here. No real clunkers here, and some subjects get pretty deep here (“Child’s Play” about going through lies and drug addiction). Excellent folk pop, that inspires and amazes.

My Space | CD Baby | Not Lame

The Popravinas are a lot of fun, especially if you enjoy a Rolling Stones-meets-Whiskeytown sound. The Americana-bar party begins with “Popravina Weekend” and continues with twangy guitar licks. Lots of great tracks are here, including the foot stompin‘ narrative of “Biggest Shot” and the power pop hooks are all over “She’s Got Fashion” which recall the strut of The Georgia Satellites. Things get even peppier with “Long Walk Back” with quick fast drum beats and regular rhythmic riffs. The closest thing to a ballads here are “She Feels 101” and “Girl With A Workface” and they lean more to The Stones sound here. The other tracks follow a similar formula and tracks like “Johnny’s Gotta Girlfriend” and “Nearest Pretty Girl” have a bit more of that fuzz guitar and energy of The Replacements. No real clunkers here, although many tracks toward the albums end don’t stand out so much. I would love for these guys to write a humorous novelty track, like Mojo Nixon or Guns N’ Roses– they definitely have the ability. A great CD for driving with the top down and the stereo up loud.

My Space | CD Baby

Not really power pop, but regular rock here. Fans of Counting Crows and Dave Matthews Band will find a lot to like about Fair Herald, with it’s laid back guitars and Mike Kuntz wailing lead vocals. The opening song “From Peotone” has a steady beat and effective piano lead, hits its comfort zone early and it continues with the mellow REM-like “Whirlwind” where Kuntz sings “There’s no where else to run anymore.” The next song is one of the albums best, “Coyote Nowhere” with it’s alt-country guitar ballad style and sunny mood and light percussion – similar to Whiskeytown or Old 97s. The remaining songs on the album tread on familiar guitar rock ground, and don’t really distinguish themselves from each other. There are exceptions though. “Never Said Hello” and Make Me Blue” are standouts as musings on a relationship with a musician, and both have an impressive guitar solo to end the songs. Fans of the above mentioned bands should check them out.

Fair Herald website | MySpace | CD Baby | Itunes

Rinaldi Sings is the new group fronted by singer and songwriter Steve Rinaldi. A big band with a big sound, they play uptempo moddish pop that nods to the band’s northern soul and sixties influences. He’s played in IPO Liverpool this year too. Rinaldi’s influence is more swinging Carnaby Street kitsch than Beatles and Bryds here. The horns and organ dominate most of the melodies, leaving the guitars as supporting players. Steve’s vocals are great, but for some strange reason they remind me of Greg Page (of The Wiggles) – maybe it’s the whole “feel-good” rock vibe here. Opening with the bouncy “You Take Me There” sets the album’s tone of distinctive cheeky optimism. Like the bubblegum pop hits of Tom Jones or Petula Clark with modern rhythms. A highlight is “End of An Error” which has an insanely catchy melody and harmony that resembles the best of The Beautiful South and other Manchester bands with those great Bacharach-ian horns. Other nostalgic trips like the wonderful “The Only Show in Town” get in a Harpers Bizarre mood. The beautiful orchestration is another detail that bumps this album up a notch. The Housemartins are another Hull band that draws comparison here, as far as hooks and horns, but Rinaldi’s voice is much stronger. No bad tracks here – a worthy earful of classic up-tempo pop music.

Rinaldi Sings “Avenues & Alleyways”